Towards an Intregrated Strategy: Maximizing Use of Local Resources for Somali Youth

A report on best practices and barriers to the use of North Etobicoke employment services by Somali youth, 2006

Approximately 10,000 of the total 33,725 Somali’s living in Canada reside in the Dixon-Islington neighbourhood of North Etobicoke. Statistics Canada (1996) indicates that the unemployment rate of Somali-Canadians is 23.6%, much higher than the national average. Unemployment, lack of opportunity, racism, violence, and gang activity are a few of the complicated and multi-layered social problems affecting the youth of this community. The lack of specific, accurate and current information about this population is a compelling argument for better demographic research about the area and the population.

The purpose of this research was to learn how employment services within North Etobicoke might be better structured and co-ordinated to increase Somali youth (age 12-30) access and use, in ways improving levels of employment and employability.

The report identifies existing employment agencies and services in the region, as well as their best practices and challenges in outreaching to Somali youth. The report also points out barriers in the way of Somali youth employment service use and access, from the perspective of Somali youth and parents.